About Mock Trial Summer Institute

The 2015 Mock Trial Summer Institute will be held in Silver Bay, NY from Sunday, July 12 through Friday, July 17.

We are currently accepting student applications. We are also seeking Educators who teach law related educational classes and have involvement with their schools' Mock Trial teams to be Counselors at our Mock Trial Summer Institute (MTSI). Attorneys who are interested in participating as a judge may call Kim Francis at 518-486-5760

The New York State Mock Trial Summer Institute (MTSI) is an intensive week-long educational camp for high school students who are involved with mock trial. During the week, the students attend sessions presented by experienced Mock Trial teachers and attorneys. Counselors are educators who teach law related educational classes and have involvement with their schools' Mock Trial teams. All points of Mock Trial are covered from “Evaluating the Case” to “Closing Arguments.” The students are put in teams on the ﬁrst evening of camp. During the week, they work on a past Mock Trial case, incorporating their new skills and techniques into their presentation. Guest speakers, local attorneys, and additional educators are brought in throughout the week to assist in instruction. The cases are presented on the ﬁnal day before a judge. Time is built into the daily schedule for the students to engage in organized team and conﬁdence building activities, as well as free time to enjoy the numerous recreational activities at Silver Bay.

Students are selected to attend MTSI through an application process. The application is available online at Mock Trial Summer Institute Applications. Teachers and attorneys must provide letters of recommendation for the student to be considered. Applications are accepted in the spring for consideration for that year’s MTSI.

MTSI typically takes place at Silver Bay YMCA on Lake George, during July and runs from Sunday to Friday. The number of students accepted varies, but MTSI can accommodate up to 48 students. There is one adult counselor for every six students, a nurse, camp director, and a Law, Youth and Citizenship representative on site all week. The students are bunked two or three to a room in a typical camp-style dorm with shared bathrooms. Meals are served in the cafeteria, buffet style.

The fee for New York State students is $250.00 and $1,000.00 for out of state students. The fee includes the room, all meals, classroom materials, and activities. A deposit is required and the balance is due upon acceptance. Some financial assistance is available to qualiﬁed attendees.

The New York Bar Foundation provides funding for this program in conjunction with The New York State Bar Association's Law, Youth and Citizenship Program.